Hilldale Farm Llama Ranch

Located in Valley Center (North of San Diego), California
 

SHEARING

Shearing is the main ingredient in keeping your llamas and alpacas healthier and more comfortable in the summer season. There are many variations of shearing styles or "hair cuts". First and foremost, though,  you want to pay attention to the key ventilation areas - such as the point where the belly meets the hind leg and the sides of the tail. Removing fiber from these areas exposing the skin allows the llama to cool much faster.         

Ok - so now how do you go about shearing? What equipment do you need? Do you do it yourself or hire someone?

If you are going to shear your own llamas, I recommend you visit another ranch when they are shearing to learn the ins and outs as well as any safety issues.

Scissors or hand shears are used as well as electric shears. These can be purchased at your local feed store, online through several supply companies, or request a catalog (see link list). Electric shears make a cleaner looking cut (with experience).

You will also want to have some type of "chute" to place your llamas in to protect both you and the llama. Once the llama has a feel for what you are doing, they usually will cooperate. But there are times that they may jump around and can cause injury to themselves as well as the person doing the shearing. So please prepare a safe area for shearing for both of you.

STYLES FOR YOUR LLAMA

	Here we have the "Barrel Cut". The wool is removed only from the mid-section behind the shoulders to the hip and around the belly. It enables minimal cooling.
	This style is often referred to as the "Show Cut". Fiber is removed from the point of the shoulder (wither) down to the arm pit, the top of the tail down to the point where the belly meets the hind leg and around the belly allowing for moderate ventilation.
	Another version of the "Show Cut" drops the back cut from the tail and goes straight across the hip. This opens up the tail ventilation area which is extremely important on males.
	Finally we have the "Lion Cut". This style is used on heavy-wool llamas. Everything is removed except on the neck, lower leg, and tail. As you can see, this cut allows for maximum ventilation and you really see what your llama's conformation is.
	Let's not forget the "Nudie". This cut is used every few years to remove all the "matted" fiber on the neck and elsewhere allowing the wool to grow back for easier grooming.

Send mail to beverly@enjoyllamas.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/23/08